Trump invokes executive privilege in Kennedy Center renovation dispute

President Donald Trump has formally invoked executive privilege in a legal dispute involving his management of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, NBC News reported.

The White House lawyer, Joshua Hoyt, stated in a court filing that this privilege covers information, documents, and communications requested by Rep. Joyce Beatty, who is challenging Trump's efforts to add his name to the center and to close it for renovations.

Rep. Beatty, an ex officio board member of the Kennedy Center, has sought details about Trump's role since he joined the board last year and was elected chairman by trustees he selected.

Trump directed the center to close for renovations via social media in February and has indicated that the renovations will not proceed without recognition of his efforts, according to NBC News.

ABC News added that the executive privilege claim extends to Trump's conversations with both government and non-government advisers, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca.

The Justice Department argues that Trump has an official role in the Kennedy Center's operations in his capacity as president, which supports the invocation of executive privilege in this case.